das  Konzil

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɔnˈt͡sɪl/

📜 What does "das Konzil" mean?

Das Konzil (noun, neuter) refers to a council or assembly of high-ranking officials, usually in an ecclesiastical (church) context, convened to discuss and decide on important theological, legal, or disciplinary matters.

It typically signifies an official meeting, often classified as ecumenical (general) or particular (regional), involving bishops and other church dignitaries. Famous examples include the Konzil von Nicäa (Council of Nicaea), the Konzil von Trient (Council of Trent), or the Zweite Vatikanische Konzil (Second Vatican Council).

⚠️ Note: While it could theoretically be used for secular assemblies, its meaning in German is almost exclusively restricted to church councils.

📚 Grammar of "das Konzil" in Detail

"Konzil" is a noun of the neuter gender. The article is das.

💡 Note: Both plural forms, "Konzile" and "Konzilien", are common. "Konzilien" is often perceived as slightly more elevated or traditional, especially in historical or theological contexts.

Example Sentences

1. Das Konzil von Trient hatte weitreichende Folgen für die katholische Kirche.
   (The Council of Trent had far-reaching consequences for the Catholic Church.)
2. Die Beschlüsse des letzten Konzils werden immer noch diskutiert.
   (The decisions of the last council are still being discussed.)
3. Der Papst berief ein neues Konzil ein.
   (The Pope convened a new council.)
4. Auf dem Konzil wurden wichtige Dogmen festgelegt.
   (Important dogmas were established at the council.)
5. Die Geschichte der Konzile / Konzilien ist faszinierend.
   (The history of the councils is fascinating.)

🗣️ How to use "das Konzil"?

The term "das Konzil" is primarily used in religious and historical contexts, specifically referring to Christian history. One speaks of the "Erstes Vatikanisches Konzil" (First Vatican Council), the "Konzil von Konstanz" (Council of Constance), etc.

It's a rather formal and specific term. In everyday language for a normal meeting or assembly, you would more likely use words like Treffen (meeting), Sitzung (session), Versammlung (assembly), or Tagung (conference).

• Typical Context: Church history, theology, canon law.
• Distinction: Not to be confused with der Rat (e.g., Stadtrat - city council, Aufsichtsrat - supervisory board), which describes an advisory or decision-making body in a secular or political context. Die Synode (synod) is often synonymous with Konzil but can also denote more regional or specific church assemblies.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Konzil"

1. For the article "das": Imagine a large, neutral (neuter -> das) building (das Gebäude) is the venue for das Konzil. Or think of das Protokoll (the protocol/minutes) being kept at the council.
2. For the meaning "church council": Think of priests conferring in a cilcle -> Kon-zil. Or: The council aims to consolidate the church's will -> Konzil.

"Das Protokoll from das Konzil lies neutrally on the table."

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Watch out for similar words:

• Der Konsul: A high office in the Roman Empire (consul). Sounds similar but unrelated.
• Das Konsulat: A diplomatic representation (consulate).

😂 A little joke

Warum dauern Konzilien immer so lange?
Weil zu viele Theologen versuchen, auf einen gemeinsamen Nenner zu kommen – und der ist bekanntlich unendlich teilbar!

Translation:
Why do councils always take so long?
Because too many theologians try to find a common denominator – and as everyone knows, that's infinitely divisible!

📜 A Poem about the Council

Im hohen Saal, bei Kerzenschein,
kommt man zum Konzil fein.
Bischöfe, Priester, weise Herrn,
beraten nah und beraten fern.

Um Glaubensfragen geht der Streit,
für lange Zeit, für lange Zeit.
Das Konzil ringt um Einigkeit,
in ernster Würd und Feierlichkeit.

Translation:
In the grand hall, by candlelight,
they gather for the council bright.
Bishops, priests, and wise old men,
consulting near and far again.

On matters of faith, disputes arise,
for lengthy times, beneath the skies.
The council strives for unity,
in solemn grace and dignity.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin eine Versammlung, oft sehr alt,
wo über Glauben und Lehre wird verhandelt, mit Schatt und Gestalt.
Päpste und Bischöfe kommen hierher,
Entscheidungen zu treffen, fällt manchmal schwer.

Mal in Nicäa, mal in Rom,
bestimme ich manchen heiligen Strom.
Mit Artikel "das" steh ich im Buch,
was bin ich wohl? Gib einen Versuch!

Translation:
I am an assembly, often very old,
Where faith and doctrine are discussed, stories told.
Popes and bishops gather near,
Making decisions, sometimes with fear.

Sometimes in Nicaea, sometimes in Rome,
I shape the course of Christendom.
With the article "das", I'm known in the book,
What am I? Take a good look!

Solution: Das Konzil (The Council)

➕ Other Information

• Etymology: The word "Konzil" comes from the Latin word concilium, meaning “assembly”, “gathering”, or “consultation”.
• Trivia: The Konzil von Konstanz (Council of Constance, 1414–1418) was one of the most significant of the Middle Ages. It ended the Western Schism, during which three popes simultaneously claimed legitimacy.